Spring 2000
Paul E. Ellis Elected President
M.W. Paul E. Ellis, former First Vice President, was elected President of The George Washington
Masonic Memorial Association at the annual meeting held in Savannah, Georgia on February 21.
Brother Ellis, of Seaford, Delaware, replaces outgoing President M.W. Edgar N. Peppler, who
served for five years and who will remain a member of the Board of Directors until his term
expires in February 2001. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Memorial Association
since 1988 and was elected First Vice President six years ago.
Brother Ellis chaired the Planning Committee for Commemoration Day last June 26, making the
necessary arrangements and decisions to ensure the event proceeded seamlessly and
successfully. The highlight of that day, which honored the 200th anniversary of the death of
George Washington - the nations' first President and foremost Freemason - was the dedication of
the Square and Compasses on the terrace in front of the Memorial.
M.W. Ellis served as Grand Master of Masons in Delaware in 1972-1973. Brother Ellis was
coroneted a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason in 1975. He served as Secretary of Gethsemane
Lodge in Reliance, Delaware for 20 years.
Brother Ellis, a graduate of the University of Delaware and the University of Maryland School of
Law, served as a Judge of the Delaware Court of Common Pleas from 1973-96. In addition to his
23 years on the bench, he served as an attorney for the Delaware Senate and as the state's
Deputy Attorney General for
Sussex County. He is a past president of the Seaford Lion's Club and the Seaford Public District
Library.
"I'd like to enhance the image of the Memorial and encourage stronger financial support among
the Grand Lodges," Brother Ellis said, referring to a primary goal for his tenure as President.
As Brother Ellis has stated in the past, "Every Grand Lodge is an owner of a piece of property in
Alexandria." He would like to increase the approximately $12 million in the Endowment Fund by
encouraging and inspiring his Brothers to make provisions to contribute towards the Memorial,
thus continuing the tradition of the Planned Giving Program developed under the direction of
R.W.W. Scott Stoner. Brother Ellis, recovering from recent surgery, said he expects to be back on
his feet in short order and reinvigorated to accept fresh challenges.
In addition to his specific goals as the new President, he intends to continue pursuing a grander
objective that he has diligently pursued throughout his Masonic career. "I've always encouraged
the practice of brotherhood," Brother Ellis said, "And I will continue to do so to the best of my
abilities."
Memorial Unveils Display at Conference
The George Washington Masonic Memorial unveiled a new and redesigned display at the
Conference of Grand Masters in Savannah, Georgia in February. The display is free-standing,
eight feet tall and 10 feet wide. The two center panels feature new photographs of the exterior of
the Memorial and the Washington Statue located in Memorial Hall. The side panels are a
montage of the various rooms in the Memorial.
Memorial Selected for Live Broadcast
The Memorial was recently used as the broadcast site for the Fox Channel 5
Morning News program. The Secretary- Treasurer and the Replica Room Curator
were interviewed and included in the broadcast. The coverage was very favorable
and presented the Memorial and Freemasonry in a positive manner. The program
highlighted the Masonic activities and attributes of George Washington and some
of the many artifacts of his life that are on display in the Memorial. A brief tour of portions of the
Memorial was also shown with references to the many charities of Freemasonry
A Message from the Executive Secretary-Treasurer
The Masonic Fraternity includes men from all walks of life - professionals,
tradesmen and laborers. Freemasonry teaches the Brotherhood of Man under
the Fatherhood of God. It brings together men of all creeds and teaches the
many aspects of the Great and Golden Rule common to all Faiths.
One of the stated goals of Freemasonry is to “make good men better.” The
following statement clarifies the process and outlines one way of looking at the
three degrees of Freemasonry: “A good man is one who treats others as he
would like to be treated. A generous man is one who treats others better than
he expects to be treated. A wise man is one who knows how he and others
should be treated: in what ways, and to what extent.
The first man is a civilizing influence. The second man is a refining and spreading influence. The
third man is a higher-development influence.” Everyone should go through the three phases
typified by those three men. To believe that goodness or generosity are ends in themselves may
be good or it may be generous. It is, however, not an informed attitude - and that is the most good
and most generous we can be about it. If someone asked: “Is it better to be good, generous or
wise?”, one would have to reply: “If you are wise, you do not have to be obsessed by being ‘good’
or ‘generous.’ You are obliged to do what is necessary.” This reflects the real work of
Freemasons which is on the inner man, on our character and our development as human beings
and as caring, productive and contributing members of our society. Freemasonry is intertwined
with the creation and development of our great nation. George Washington wrote in his Farewell
Orders to the Armies of the United States, November 2, 1783 “... the private virtues of economy,
prudence, and industry, will not be less amiable in civil life, than the more splendid qualities of
valour, perseverance, and enterprise were in the Field.” In a letter to George Steptoe
Washington dated December 5, 1790, Washington wrote “...a good moral character is the first
essential in a man ... It is therefore highly important that you should endeavor not only to be
learned but virtuous.”
As the world's oldest fraternal organization, Freemasonry has persevered through the years
because it teaches toleration of all faiths, acceptance of all men of good character, and support of
free government institutions.
Projects in Progress - 2000
The following projects are scheduled for completion in 2000. If you are interested in sponsoring a
project or projects please contact the Secretary-Treasurer.
• Seal Stone Work on Portico & Tower
• Curb & Gutter Replacement - South Driveway
• Install Handicap Ramp in Auditorium
• Upgrade Computer System
• Re-tube both Boilers in Heating Plant
• Re-point Stonework - King St. & Callahan Dr.
• Upgrade Elevator Operating System
• Install Irrigation System on Front Terraces.
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
By Malcom Wernick
Your will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. To avoid problems, consider
the following:
1.
Do it now. The worst thing you can do in creating a will is to procrastinate. A will delayed is
a
will not done. Now is the time—while you are able—to plan for the future.
2. Seek professional assistance. Saving a few dollars by writing your own will or using a massproduced generic form will not provide the level of inner peace and confidence you and your
family deserves. A qualified estate planning attorney who knows how to draft a will that meets the
specific requirements of your state of residence will meet your individual needs.
3. Don’t rely on it solely. Your will needs to be considered along with other transfer documents,
such as life insurance policies, joint-ownership accounts and retirement accounts. Other estate
planning documents might include: power of attorney, appropriate health care provisions and a
living will.
4. Revisit your will periodically. Things change. Children grow up. New laws are passed. New
developments occur regarding health issues and financial resources. It’s a good idea to review
your will every year.
5. Keep a copy with your lawyer.
A will is worthless unless it can be located and duly recorded at your passing. Let someone know
where it is. A little foresight can spare your family added stress during their time of grief. A copy
can go in your files at home, but your lawyer should have the original. We at the George
Washington Masonic Memorial want you and your loved ones to be protected with a thorough upto-date estate plan. If you need help in finding an estate attorney in your area, we will assist you
in any way we can. And if you are interested in contributing to the
future of the George Washington Masonic Memorial, an estate gift would be greatly appreciated.
For planned giving information, write to W. Scott Stoner, Chairman, Planned Giving Committee:
998 Nissley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601; or call 717-898-2185 (Fax 717-898-8956).
Memorial Hall By J.P. Riddell, Curator, Replica Lodge Room
Memorial Hall - its expansive floor area, flanked by massive granite columns,
murals and stained glass windows’ provides a truly grand first impression to the
George Washington Masonic Memorial. The principal entrance to the Memorial is
by way of the second floor through a vestibule formed in front by eight granite
columns of the Doric order; each 32 feet high and weighing 63 tons. Its floors are
of Tennessee marble laid in geometrical figures. The walls are faced with Missouri
marble. The central area is flanked on either side by eight polished New
Hampshire green granite columns of Corinthian design. These beautiful columns
are 38 feet, six inches high, four feet wide at the base and weigh 68 tons.
Matching the palmetto decorative feature of the columns are four 8-foot bronze lamps placed in
the corners of Memorial Hall; these were given to the Memorial by the General Grand Chapter,
Order of The Eastern Star. In the canopied recess at the west end of the room is a bronze statue
of Washington that is 17 feet, three inches in height, showing him as presiding officer of his
Alexandria Lodge; this was the work of Bryant Baker, and was contributed to the Memorial in
1950 by the Order of DeMolay.
Two magnificent murals adorn the full width of both the North and South walls. The mural on
North wall depicts George Washington and Brethren attending a Saint John's Day Observance,
Christ Church, Philadelphia, December 28, 1788. The mural on the South wall shows George
Washington laying the Cornerstone of the National Capitol, September 18, 1793. These majestic
murals were the work of Allyn Cox, one of the most talented muralists in America. Cox worked for
approximately 30 years at the Capitol building; he painted 26 murals in the House side, one in the
Senate side and the frieze on the Capitol dome. The Grand Lodge of California contributed the
murals in our Memorial Hall. High over the murals are six historically significant stained glass
windows. These were designed by Allyn Cox. There is, however, little mention of the artist,
Robert Metcalf, who installed these beautiful windows. Yet, Metcalf was one of the finest artists in
stained glass in the world. His reputation was so outstanding that following World War II, he was
called upon to replace or repair the many stained glass windows in the cathedrals which had
been damaged during the bombings throughout England, France, Germany and other areas of
Europe.
Murals in Memorial Hall Photographed for the First Time
The 18 by 46-foot murals located behind the columns on the north and south walls of Memorial
Hall have been photographed and digitally composed to present the first actual photographs of
the murals. Until now the only renderings that were available of the murals were artists' drawings.
For the first time the exquisite colors, lighting and details can be seen and appreciated.
"Grand Lodge Month" Program Instituted at Memorial
January 2000 marked the beginning of the "Grand Lodge Month" program at the Memorial. Each
month a different Grand Jurisdiction is featured and honored. The State Flag of the Grand
Jurisdiction is flown over the Memorial for the entire month. The flag is then presented to the
Grand Lodge at its next Grand Lodge session. A display is set up in Assembly Hall featuring The
Grand Lodge History, Officers, programs, charities and so forth. If the Grand Lodge has a video, it
is played as part of the exhibit.
The Grand Lodges being recognized this year are:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Delaware
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Georgia
Massachusetts
Maryland
South Carolina
Connecticut
New Hampshire
Virginia
New York
North Carolina
GWMM Gifts
“Two Hundred Years of George Washington’s Masonic Heritage” The
Commemoration Day, June 26, 1999 video is available through the
GWMM Gift Shop. The Gift Shop can be contacted by telephone at
703-549-9234 or by writing to:
Gift Shop – GWMM
101 Callahan Drive
Alexandria, Virginia 22301
21st Century Members
Charles A. Brigham, Jr.
OH
Columbia Lodge No. 388
CA
Walter C. Davis, Jr.
VA
Jim Emery
VA
Gerald H. Grosskopf
NJ
J.N. Highsmith, Jr.
VA
*David Jacobs
PA
by Temple-Melita Royal Arch Chapter No. 183
Emil J. Klingenfus
IL
Oscar A. Line
DC
George S. Martin
NJ
Harlan E. Phelps, Jr.
VA
Raytown Lodge No. 391
MO
Robert M. Stutz
NJ
*In Honor of
Life Members
S. Warren Alvis
NC
Robert Cannady
NY
Roy William Evans
CA
John Greenwood
DC
William P. Maxam
IN
Norman H. Peek
NJ
James F. Penman
CA
Richard C. Smith
MA/ME
*Lee and Joan Stafko
by Tony and Marilyn Wordlow
CA
Benson Taylor, Jr.
VA
*In Honor of